As any nutritionist worth their (pink Himalayan) salt will tell you, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s only right then that you treat this meal with the utmost respect by enjoying some of the best breakfasts that the capital has to offer. If you live or work out East, Shoreditch is a sure-fire bet for a good start to your day. Check out our pick of breakfast options in the area and book a table with SquareMeal today.
Andina
Why: This Peruvian joint from chef Martin Morales has healthy breakfast options in spades, and that doesn’t mean they’re lacking in flavour. Take the sumptuous sweet potato pancakes, which come topped with spiced honey, coconut whipped cream and seasonal fruits. If you like a more substantial brekkie, go for the chicharro´n sandwich: confit pork belly served in a soft bun and drizzled with camote ketchup. Don't miss the super-food smoothies either.
Where: 1 Redchurch Street, E2 7DJ
The Book Club
Why: This multi-faceted venue welcomes the freelancer crowd looking to knuckle-down for the day with a tempting breakfast menu. Options include everything from the ubiquitous avocado on toast, to a (very) full English, which can be stacked up and sandwiched between a bun with hash browns and burger sauce. Coffee is on hand too, to keep you perky.
Where: 100-106 Leonard Street, EC2A 4RH
Dishoom
Why: Dishoom’s breakfast menu is famous for its bacon naan rolls: tandoor-grilled naan topped with cream cheese and chilli tomato jam, and wrapped around smoked streaky bacon. They’re not the only thing worth trying on the menu though, as there is also the three-egg Bombay omelette and the fire toast, which comes topped with pineapple pink-peppercorn jam and tangy orange marmalade with star anise.
Where: 7 Boundary Street, E2 7JE
Hoi Polloi at Ace Hotel
Why: This super-stylish all-dayer at the Ace Hotel serves a short breakfast menu that is pleasingly simple, and boasts a handful of comfort-food classics. From the hot plates, try the fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with bacon and maple syrup, or the bacon, cheese and egg toastie. If you’re looking for a lighter option, there’s chia seed muesli with dried berries and coconut milk.
Where: 100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JQ
Hotbox
Why: If you wake up craving barbecued meats (we don’t blame you), then Hotbox’s brunch is for you. Available from Tuesday to Sunday, the brunch menu features comfort food aplenty, including French toast with bacon, and pork belly tacos. For a £25 supplement, you can also enjoy unlimited Prosecco, Mimosas or Bloody Marys for two whole hours.
Where: 46 Commercial Street, E1 6LT
Morito Hackney
Why: For most people, going out for breakfast is a luxury saved for weekends (thanks to those pesky 9am starts at work). At casual North African spot Morito Hackney, you can enjoy a Moroccan-tinged breakfast menu which includes pancakes with fresh goat’s curd and thyme honey, and Turkish menemem eggs, with optional sujuk sausage. If you’re after something a little lighter, try the homemade granola topped with pomegranates and pistachios.
Where: 195 Hackney Road, E2 8JL
Rochelle Canteen
Why: The simple, aesthetically pleasing dishes available for breakfast at the original Rochelle Canteen (there’s now also a site at the ICA) reflect the space’s minimalist interiors. From a short selection, you can try pleasing dishes such as a bacon sandwich, avocado on toast, or granola with yoghurt and poached fruit. Wash it all down with a cold-pressed juice.
Where: Rochelle School, Arnold Circus, E2 7ES
St John Bread & Wine
Why: Offering what is surely one of the best bacon sandwiches in London, St John Bread & Wine knows how to do breakfast. The daily-changing breakfast menu here doesn’t end at just sandwiches though, with other options including kippers on sourdough, and devilled kidneys on toast. We’d also recommend grabbing a few of the signature custard-filled doughnuts to takeaway, for elevenses of course.
Where: 94-96 Commercial Street, E1 6LZ
For a broader take on where to start your day, check out our pick of the best breakfasts in London.